Manual para la Disposición Final de Medicamentos Caducados

Abstract

The objective of this research was to prepare a manual to standardize operational procedures for the proper treatment and final disposal of expired drugs in Riobamba pharmacies, based on the CNMB (National Table of Basic Medicines), it was determined that they require categorization because they become toxic substances that pollute the environment once they have completed their useful life. This research was carried out through the collection of primary and secondary information such as: surveys, interviews, field visits, bibliographic review, and application of a matrix. The results indicate that 84% of the pharmacies do not carry out any treatment at all and 16% do it incorrectly; in relation to internal management, 49% is acceptable and 74% of the establishments are in the differentiated collection phase, with 100% of these wastes being disposed of in a semi-controlled cell as a final disposal process. In addition, it was determined that 7% are unaware of the environmental problems generated by inadequate management of this waste. According to the therapeutic use and pharmaceutical form, the technical treatment to be carried out prior to the final disposal process was established in the manual, thus avoiding environmental contamination, since the matrix applied shows that the most vulnerable factor is the soil, confirming what was stated in the hypothesis.it is recommended that the pertinent authorities apply the necessary corrective measures, carry out controls and, if necessary, impose sanctions.